1990 ignition switch, help please
 

I have a 90 F-150 and I'm having some ignition switch problems. I've read some of the previous post, but..... The ignition will not engage the starter and the accessory position don't work (it'll turn there but nothing will happen. Tranny won't shift (auto) into neutral. The steering wheel will free up in the on position. I've replaced the lock cyclinder (tumbler) and the ignition switch on the steering column. There is NO springback action agianst the switch neither. What else is wrong? The actuator rod is working freely and it seems correct. I read somewhere about a fuse or the neutral safety switch. You guys are the best at this, help now please. I'll have a beer and hopefully receive a few replies of help. Thanks



Terry

My 90 F150 did something very similar a while back. There is a pot-metal assembly tied into the ignition that releases the transmission lever among other things. Mine broke in the middle and I had to COMPLETELY disassemble the steering column to get to it. I fixed the lock bar by center drilling and tapping it, then epoxied and screwed it back together. The broken lock bar kept it from starting and limited the shift lever like you discribe. It took me a couple of days, several tries and a few "cool down walks" to get it back together right. On the bright side, my cruise started working again after cleaning everything as I reassembled it all.

Thanks, sure didn't want to hear I would be going into the column. But, if it works, oh well. I've read some other post about doing some column work and they said the same thing, PITA! I forgot to mention I have no springback action in my original post, if this helps. Terry